Editorial
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ince our last magazine, significant changes to the health system have been announced by the government in response to the Health and Disability System Review. A new national organisation, provisionally called Health New Zealand, will run all public hospitals. It will also be responsible for commissioning primary and community health services and will be spread across four regional bases. A Māori Health Authority to advise the government and Health NZ on giving effect to tino rangatiratanga in health is being established, as well as a new Public Health Agency that will lead public health strategy, policy, analysis, and monitoring. These changes have influenced the direction of Diabetes NZ’s strategies developed for our recent 2021 Strategic Plan. They have been aligned with the Review's recommendations in recognition that population-health functions need to be strengthened, with a shift to a health and wellbeing focus. We will advocate for NGOs to become more involved and influence the new models of care. Our focus will be on making sure that diabetes is a government health priority and that a national diabetes action plan is developed. Another piece of advocacy was the opportunity to finally – after a year’s delay because of Covid-19 – present the petition we took to Parliament in November 2019 to the Health Committee. The petition asked the House of Representatives to urge Pharmac to fund continuous glucose monitors. Medications were also part of the petition, but these have been recently funded. Our submission was well received, with an acknowledgement of the burden of this condition on individuals and their whānau. The additional cost to the Pharmac budget is incidental compared with how life changing this technology is. We will continue to push for this funding. Unfortunately, this quarter was a particularly sad time for Diabetes NZ, with the death of our patron Sir Eion Edgar, who was an active and generous supporter of Diabetes NZ for 10 years. He leaves many legacies, but the most recent one is The Economic and Social Costs of Diabetes report. He instigated the four-way partnership that produced it, between Diabetes NZ, the Edgar National Centre for Diabetes and Obesity, He Oranga Hauora – Healthier Lives Challenge, and Tony and Heather Falkenstein. Along with our usual recipes, healthcare and lifestyle features, and inspirational profiles, in this issue of Diabetes Wellness, we reflect more on his achievements and his generosity. Sir Eion was an unflagging advocate for better awareness and funding for diabetes care, particularly in those communities hardest hit by this very serious condition. Diabetes NZ is determined to continue this advocacy through our awareness campaigns and support services so his legacy will not be forgotten. HEATHER VERRY
Chief Executive, Diabetes NZ
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Spring 2021
Diabetes New Zealand is a national charity that provides trusted leadership, information, advocacy, and support to people with diabetes, their families, and those at risk. Our mission is to provide support for all New Zealanders with diabetes, or at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, to live full and active lives. We have a network of branches across the country that offer diabetes information and support in their local communities. Join today at www.diabetes.org.nz
DIABETES NEW ZEALAND Board Chair Catherine Taylor Chief Executive Heather Verry Diabetes New Zealand National Office Level 10, 15 Murphy Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 Postal address PO Box 12 441, Wellington 6144 Telephone 04 499 7145 Freephone 0800 342 238 Email admin@diabetes.org.nz Web diabetes.org.nz Facebook facebook.com/diabetesnz Twitter twitter.com/diabetes_nz Instagram instagram.com/diabetes_nz
DIABETES WELLNESS MAGAZINE Editor Johanna Knox editor@diabetes.org.nz Publisher Diabetes New Zealand Design Rose Miller, Kraftwork Print Inkwise Magazine delivery address changes Freepost Diabetes NZ, PO Box 12 441, Wellington 6144 Telephone 0800 342 238 Email admin@diabetes.org.nz Back issues issuu.com/diabetesnewzealand ISSN 2537-7094 (Print) ISSN 2538-0885 (Online)
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP Business Development Manager Jo Chapman jo@diabetes.org.nz or +64 21 852 054 Download the Diabetes Wellness media kit: http://bit.ly/2uOYJ3p Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure accuracy, but Diabetes NZ accepts no liability for errors of fact or opinion. Information in this publication is not intended to replace advice by your health professional. Editorial and advertising material do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or Diabetes NZ. Advertising in Diabetes Wellness does not constitute endorsement of any product. Diabetes NZ holds the copyright of all editorial. No article, in whole or in part, should be reprinted without permission of the Editor.
